Wordle July Difficulty: Why It Could Get Harder
Wordle is Getting Harder: HereS Why (and How to Prepare)
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Wordle. It started as a simple, charming word puzzle, quickly becoming a global obsession. But lately, many players are noticing something… different. The puzzles are harder. Much harder. If you’re finding yourself struggling more often, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why Wordle is increasing in difficulty, what the New York Times’ plans are, and how you can prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.
Why is Wordle Suddenly So Difficult?
For a long time, Wordle felt comfortably challenging. Now,it feels like a genuine brain-teaser almost every day. This isn’t accidental. A recent spike in difficulty is directly linked to the NYT’s dwindling word list and the need to keep the game going.
Looking back at recent puzzles, the data speaks for itself. July and August brought a noticeable increase in challenging words. ATRIA (4.1 difficulty), NERVY (4.5), LORIS (4.2), TIZZY (4.9), and GOFER (5.6) were all particularly tough. The average difficulty across those five games was a staggering 4.66 – significantly higher than what many players were used to.
The core issue? Wordle has been around for a while. With over 1,500 puzzles completed, the NYT is approaching the limit of its original word list. There are only around 800 original games left.To prevent the game from ending, the NYT has to add new words.
The Problem with Adding New Words
Here’s where things get tricky. Josh Wardle, the original creator of Wordle, carefully curated a list of five-letter words that were relatively common and well-known.The NYT, however, is now forced to dig deeper.
As the readily available words are used up, the new additions are naturally going to be less familiar. Expect to see more obscure vocabulary, slang terms, and words containing less common letters. Forget relying on your go-to starting words like STARE,CRANE,or SLATE – they’ve already been used! Common words like HOUSE,TODAY,and BELOW are also off the table.
Instead,prepare for puzzles featuring words like BALSA,KAZOO,BEAUT,SQUID,and TAUPE. These aren’t words you encounter in everyday conversation,and they require a different kind of Wordle strategy. August offered a brief respite with slightly easier puzzles like BANJO and DAUNT,but the overall trend is clear: Wordle is only getting harder.
How to Prepare for the Increased Difficulty
So, what can you do to stay ahead of the curve? Here are a few strategies to help you conquer the increasingly challenging Wordle puzzles:
Expand Your Vocabulary: This might seem obvious, but actively learning new words is now more vital than ever. Focus on less common five-letter words. Embrace Uncommon Letters: Pay attention to words containing letters like J, Q, X, and Z. These letters are less frequent in English, but they’re becoming more common in wordle.
Experiment with Starting Words: As your old favorites are likely tired, try different starting words that cover a wider range of vowels and consonants. Consider words like ADIEU, AUDIO, or OUIJA. Don’t Be Afraid to Sacrifice Guesses: Sometimes, using a guess to eliminate several possibilities is more valuable than trying to solve the puzzle instantly.
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